Why Nigerians Should Not Take Every Dispute to Court — Information Minister
The Federal Government is taking deliberate measures to strengthen Nigeria’s judiciary, improve access to justice and promote greater public awareness and adoption of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said.
Idris disclosed this in Abuja when the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) 2026 Investiture and Awards Night Committee, Mr Dapo Akinosun, SAN, led members of the institute on a courtesy visit to him.
The Minister said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was strengthening the judiciary through increased support, improved infrastructure, legislative reforms and measures aimed at enhancing the welfare of judicial officers.
“President Tinubu is strengthening the judiciary through increased support, improved infrastructure, legislative reforms and measures to enhance the welfare of judicial officers,” Idris said.
He noted that the increasing pressure on the courts had made it necessary to improve public understanding and encourage the use of alternative mechanisms for resolving appropriate disputes.
“I believe people need to be made aware of other means of resolving disputes. You do not need to go to court for every matter,” the Minister said.
Idris said the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation was willing to explore areas of collaboration with NICArb, particularly in public education and strategic communication, to enable Nigerians to better understand arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
Earlier, Akinosun explained that arbitration provides parties with a credible alternative to the conventional court process for resolving disputes.
“Arbitration provides Nigerians with a credible and effective alternative to litigation, and we are seeking to work with the Ministry of Information to deepen public awareness and understanding of alternative dispute resolution across the country,” he said.
The NICArb chairman also invited the Minister and officials of the ministry to participate in the institute’s training and professional development programmes.
He further proposed collaboration between NICArb, the ministry and its agencies to expand public awareness and understanding of ADR across the country.
Responding, Idris welcomed the proposal and expressed the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with NICArb on initiatives aimed at promoting public enlightenment and deepening Nigerians’ understanding of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
